Thursday, October 27.—Dr. Lansing called again this evening. He has a man he wants to send with us as far as Khartoum selling the Scriptures. He also thinks that there are some from among the tribes we hope to reach in their schools now who will work in with us in time.
Friday, October 28.—In the P.M. we went with Dr. Lansing and a party of friends to see, or rather hear, the Howling Dervishes. It was something unearthly, devilish, and never to be forgotten. Doctor and I began to calculate our chances if their religious enthusiasm and fanaticism should lead them to turn upon us. There has been a great revival of Mohammedanism lately and fanaticism. After this we went to the old synagogue, where there is a manuscript of the law written by Ezra. This is actually the case Dr. Lansing affirms. He intends to examine it more thoroughly some day, but it is very carefully guarded. Then we visited the old Roman gates of New Babylon and also attempted another church, but found it closed; we finished up with a drive on the fine Shubra avenue. There we saw the Khedive and a vast turnout of handsome carriages and handsomer occupants.
Sunday, October 30.—Attended the mission church and heard Mr. Helditch on Psalm cxxxix. 18. Met some Americans there who expressed great interest in our work. Remained quietly in our rooms the rest of the day.
Monday, October 31.—Wrote nearly all day. Received our circular letters from the Government to the authorities in Soudan and the Equatorial Provinces. Had a very friendly call from Sir Edward Malet, K. C. B., who offered himself for any further services he could render.
Tuesday, November 1.—Called at the Consulate. Our baggage, which we sent overland by express, has not come yet, but we are told to give it time—everything needs plenty of time. In the afternoon we called by appointment at the Consul’s residence. Here we met several gentlemen who knew all about the Soudan; one had been there, and another was an intimate friend of the Pasha, the Governor-General. The Consul then took us around and introduced us to Gen. Stone. In his position of Commander-in-Chief he can do more for us than any one else, and he knows more than any one else about Soudan and the Nile. He received us very cordially and seemed eager to do what he could for us. With maps before us he gave us much valuable information in regard to positions and healthfulness. He also put us in the way of transportation across the desert at the least expense of time and money. He strongly advises us to have headquarters at Berber, and in establishing our stations not to stop at the Sobat, but to go on to Fatiko. He is also going to furnish us letters to the Governors. We dined this afternoon at the American Mission House with Mr. and Mrs. Harvey, and spent a very pleasant evening with the teachers. I conducted prayers in the girls’ department, and saw there several children who had been brought down as slaves from the very tribes to which we are going. They seemed to be very bright and intelligent. If we find as good material as that we shall have no cause to complain.